DNA // Small Group Bible Studies // Reach Church

“When I went through cancer last year, the women in my DNA were the ones who helped and encouraged me... Being in a DNA has been very helpful to me. These women are the closest to me and know all about what’s going on in my life.”

– Kelli

“Before my DNA started meeting together, my walk with Jesus felt aimless...part of me wanted to remain complacent. My DNA inspires and challenges me to radically pursue Jesus with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. I’m not sure where I’d be without my DNA. If you’re unsure, I would encourage you to take the leap of faith. I promise it’ll be worth it.”

– Julian

“The time spent with my DNA has been some of the sweetest fellowship in my entire walk with God. If you want to accelerate your discipleship to Jesus you need to be in a DNA. We were designed to do this life together. If you want to follow Jesus by yourself and on your own terms, reevaluate. I promise you that you need men and women in your life to encourage you, pray for you, and build you up. DNA has absolutely offered that to me, and been a place of healing and repentance.”

– Tommy

FAQs

What if I don’t know the answer to a question?

There is no shame in not knowing all of the answers to every question, and you are not alone! If a question or situation arises in your DNA that you don’t know how to address, that’s a great opportunity to connect with your Group Leader or Reach’s Care team for support.

Where should we meet?

Homes, restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, diners, and even Zoom (online) are all possible venues for DNAs to meet. Find a place that is convenient for everyone, and sometimes privacy is helpful when folks are sharing their story.

Do DNAs have leaders?

DNAs are led by a servant-hearted point person. As the point person for a DNA, you set the tone for the group’s atmosphere through serving — you’re not the mentor or teacher. A DNA’s point person helps coordinate the DNA meeting schedule and helps facilitate conversation when needed.

How do I start or find a DNA?

If you would like to be in a DNA, we recommend you start by getting to know others at Reach by joining a Group. As you make friends at Reach in a Group, or by serving with a Sunday Serve Team and hosting or attending Meet-ups, you’ll find your people to grow together with in a DNA.

Now the ball’s in your court. DNAs are self-started. Invite some others to join your DNA and use this page to help you get started.

If you are currently in a Group and desire to be in a DNA, talk to your Group leader about joining an existing DNA or starting a new one!

What do DNA meetings look like?

Every DNA is built around prioritizing prayer, reading the Bible together, and pointing one another to Jesus. While DNAs are intended to be flexible in structure, feel free to use our DNA Guides to jumpstart your conversation. Below is an example of what DNA can look like:

Open with prayer.
Have a time of intentional conversation by briefly sharing the highs and lows of the week.
Read the Bible together. Here are some good questions to consider:
         1. What are you hearing from God, and what are you doing about it?
         2. What is God teaching you, and how is it affecting your life?
         3. Is there a promise to claim?
         4. Is there an action or attitude to avoid?
         5. Is there a principle to apply?
Spend a few moments asking questions and encouraging one another in your relationship with Jesus.
Share prayer requests and close with prayer.

What is a DNA?

DNAs are groups of 3-5 people of the same gender who meet often to read the Bible, pray, and point each other to Jesus. “DNA” stands for discover (the good news about Jesus), nurture one another through prayer, encouragement, and pointing each other to Jesus, and act (respond together to God’s Word for us).

Do I have to be a Christian to participate in a DNA?

No! 😊 If you are still considering Jesus, we absolutely welcome you to join a Group and DNA at Reach. These are spaces that we will joyfully come alongside you and encourage and support you in your discovery of Jesus.

How many people should be in a DNA?

We’ve found that the ideal size is 3 to 5 people – you and 2 to 4 other people. If you have more than 5 folks in a DNA, it might be time to launch a new DNA out of your existing one to make space for more people to have community.

What is the difference between Groups, DNA, and Meet-ups?

While Groups help you find a wider community of friends to have fun, share meals, serve and grow with, DNAs help you grow more deeply in relationship with Jesus with a few close friends. They are a more personal space to be fully known and to know others. DNAs make disciples who then go on to make more disciples.

Meet-ups are events hosted by people at Reach that bring folks together to create meaningful friendships around the things they love. Meet-ups are generally a one-time (though sometimes recurring) gathering bringing folks together around a mutual interest or activity that create connections and friendships.

How often should we meet?

Ideally, you should meet weekly or bi-weekly for about an hour to an hour and a half. This frequency does not prohibit you from connecting with one another throughout the week, as many DNAs have text/chat conversations happening throughout the week between meetings. Being a disciple of Jesus together is a way of life, not a program.

Is there an attendance requirement?

You are not required to take attendance at your DNA, but we do recommend a mutually agreed expectation that all participants in a DNA will prioritize your time together.

How will I know it's time for my DNA to multiply?

Begin with the end in mind. The goal is for the men and the women in DNAs to both grow and disciple others themselves. Life changes can unexpectedly happen, but generally, plan for your DNA to always be on a path toward multiplication. If your DNA has grown to more than five people, or you all have more friends you know would love to be invited to your DNA, it may be time to pray about multiplying. Reach will continue to grow, and we always want to be making space for new believers to grow in their relationship with Jesus through DNAs.